100 Best Restaurants 2009: Kaz Sushi Bistro

Reviewed by Todd Kliman , Ann Limpert , Cynthia Hacinli , Rina Rapuano , Eve Zibart

No. 89: Kaz Sushi Bistro

Kaz Sushi Bistro

1915 I Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-530-5500

Cuisines:
Japanese, Sushi, Vegetarian/Vegan

Opening Hours:

Wheelchair Accessible:
No

Nearby Metro Stops:
Farragut West
Farragut North

Price Range:
Moderate

Dress:
Informal

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Recommended

Special Features:
Kid Friendly

Website:
Click here to open in new window.

Price Details:
Dinner appetizers, $4.50 to $9; entrees, $15.50 to $27.
Tasting menus, $45 to $75.
Lunch bento boxes, $12.25 to $16.50.

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Reader's Rating:
No Reader Reviews

Cuisine: East meets West as chef/owner Kaz Okochi pushes sushi and traditional plates to the edge. When it works, his fusion can be revelatory. When it doesn’t, you’ll long for the no-muss selections from the sushi bar.

Mood: A Zen atmosphere draws World Bankers, K Street lobbyists, and GW students to this snug restaurant.

Best for: Getting away from it all at lunch; a group gathering at dinner.

Best dishes: Velvety foie gras with plum-wine jelly; mayo-slicked seaweed salad; crispy shrimp temaki; tuna with shaved white truffle; seared scallop with lemon salt; crunchy eel with pickled radish; gingery braised short ribs; yellowtail sashimi; a boozy chocolate marquise with lemon-vodka ice cream.

Insider tips: Bento boxes at lunch are as appealing to look at as they are to eat—chicken miso and nigiri maki versions are best. The more elaborate-tasting bento at lunch is good for grazers; you get a little bit of many things.

Service: ••

Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner. Moderate.

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